What should I do if I’m having issues in my University halls?

In the first instance, you should contact the University’s Accommodation Team by emailing accommodation@uwtsd.ac.uk If the matter is not resolved, you can submit a complaint under the University’s Complaints Procedure. Contact SU Advice for further information on this.

What if I live in private halls of residence?

If you live in private halls of residence – or purpose-built student accommodation – and are having issues, you should raise your concerns with the reception team or the manager. If your issue remains unresolved, the halls should let you know how to make a formal complaint. If you’re not sure what your next steps are, contact SU Advice for further information.

What should I do if I experience discrimination or harassment from a landlord or agent?

Everyone has a right to a safe and comfortable home. If your landlord is threatening you, or coming round unannounced, or trying to force you to leave home without following the right process, this is illegal and is classed as harassment.

Put it in writing: If your landlord is harassing you, you can write to or email the landlord or the letting agency. It’s important that you stay safe when navigating these processes, so always have a friend or adviser with you whenever you have to deal with the landlord in person.

Keep safe: If you are made to feel unsafe in your home, or if your landlord is threatening you with violence or is violent, call 101 or 999 if it is an emergency. Make sure you keep records of what has been happening including dates, times, descriptions of what has happened, any photographs of damage and any other witnesses.

Report It: It’s important you report any incidents to the local council and/or to Rent Smart Wales if you live in Wales. You can also contact the Police.

What should I do if repairs are needed in my property?

If something in your property needs repairing, you should report it to the landlord or letting agency as soon as possible. It’s usually best to do this in writing through e-mail or letter. Make sure you keep a copy for your reference in case there are any further problems later. It’s also worth taking photos of any disrepair so you also have this for reference. If you report it in-person or on the phone, always follow it up with a letter or email. Your landlord has a legal responsibility to carry out certain repairs, especially if they affect health and safety. If repairs are not dealt with in a reasonable time, you may be able to take action or seek advice. You do not have the right to stop paying rent and if you withhold rent, the landlord may take steps to evict you.

Does a landlord have health and safety duties?

Landlords are required by law to make sure gas appliances are checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. They are also required to make sure all electrical appliances provided have the CE mark (manufacturers claim it meets European Safety Standard Law). Your Landlord should provide a fire alarm for each floor level and carbon monoxide detector in any room using solid fuel. You can also ask the Fire & Rescue Service to visit your property to carry out a Home Fire Risk Assessment.

Is there a way to rate my tenancy experience?

Yes - Marks Out Of Tenancy bridges the gap from one renter to the next. Review your landlord, letting agent, rental property, and neighbourhood.

Can I give the landlord notice and if so, how much?

Many fixed-term agreements (including some assured shorthold tenancies with private landlords) contain a break clause, which allows you to end the agreement before the end of the fixed term. Check your agreement to see if it includes a clause like this. If your agreement does include a break clause, then it should also say how much notice is required; if it doesn’t include the break clause, then you cannot end the tenancy early unless the landlord agrees.

Can I get someone else to move in?

This may be possible if you have no choice but to leave early, and want to avoid paying rent on more than one home. However, you have to get the landlord’s agreement for the individual to move into the property. The landlord may want to take up references for them. The landlord should give the new individual their own tenancy agreement – otherwise, you will still be legally responsible for the tenancy.

What if my landlord agrees that I can leave?

It is possible to get out of the agreement at any time if you can come to a mutual agreement. This is called ‘surrender’. To be valid both sides must agree, and is best if the agreement is put in writing to ensure no confusion later on. If you have a joint tenancy, all the joint tenants and the landlord must agree to the surrender.

What happens when my agreement runs out?

If your agreement is for a fixed term (e.g. six months), you can leave on the last day of the fixed term without given notice, but you must ensure you do not stay even one day over, or you will automatically become a periodic tenant and have to give proper notice. Good communication helps things go smoothly, so although you do not have to it is still good to let the landlord know when you move out.

Whether you've come to the end of a contract or leaving early, there are a few things you should do before you move out.

• Read the meters: Electricity and Gas. Inform the providers you want to close the accounts and pay the final bill.
• Make sure all rent is paid: This may include the time that you are not there but you’re obliged to fulfil your contract.
• Make sure the property is clean: This always takes longer than you think so allow a couple of days.